By Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster, RGS Newcastle
As a father of two teenagers, I know all too well the feeling families of GCSE students are currently experiencing as they await results day.
I also understand that while some students have their plans mapped out well in advance, others wait until results day to decide their next steps. There is no right or wrong approach. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that best supports each student’s ambitions, unlocks their potential and sets them up for future success.
Drawing from my own personal experience as well as my role as Head of the Royal Grammar School (RGS), Newcastle, below are some of my key considerations to keep in mind when deciding on the right Sixth Form.
Personal Growth
Sixth Form is about much more than academic study; it is a period of significant personal development, growing independence and preparing for life beyond school. I believe education is not simply about achieving excellent grades; it is about helping young people develop into confident, capable and kind individuals who are well prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Young people are most likely to succeed when they feel they belong to a supportive community where they can be themselves and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Breadth of Choice
Of course, academic considerations do matter. Families should ensure that any Sixth Form they are considering offers the range of courses that they genuinely want to study.
A wide choice of over 30 A-Level subjects sits at the heart of the RGS Sixth Form experience, including A-Level Business Studies and Photography, as well as BTEC Sport & Exercise Science from September 2026 – allowing students to pursue their strengths and explore new interests.
It is also important to consider the value Sixth Form adds. At RGS, our 2025 A-Level results placed students in the top 10% nationally when compared with peers of similar prior attainment, highlighting the impact of excellent teaching, guidance and support.
Reflecting Real-Life
Parents of students moving from single-sex schools may also wish to consider whether they would benefit from a coeducational Sixth Form experience.
For many, learning within a coeducational setting provides valuable preparation for university and the workplace, where collaboration with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives is the norm.
Preparing for Success
It is vital that students feel valued and supported as they pursue their ambitions, whether that means starting their own business, undertaking an apprenticeship or progressing to university.
At RGS, students’ progress to a wide range of leading courses, from Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Engineering and Economics to subjects such as Modern Languages, English, History and Classics at Oxbridge and other top universities. Our students also look beyond the UK, thanks to specialist support, to apply for universities in the USA, Europe and beyond.
Beyond the Classroom
Academic success, however, is only part of the picture. I would strongly encourage students to investigate the co-curricular opportunities on offer.
Whether through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force, music, drama, charity initiatives or student-led societies, RGS fosters an environment in which students develop confidence, leadership and teamwork. These experiences are an integral part of Sixth Form life, encouraging students to broaden their horizons, discover new passions and build friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ultimately, choosing a Sixth Form is about finding the environment where a young person will flourish. My advice is simple: trust your instincts. You know your child best, and the right Sixth Form will help them fulfil their potential and succeed in whatever path they choose.
www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk